Saturday, March 10, 2012

Chalk Paint and Faux Wood

Happy Saturday to you all! I've had this project on the back burner since before the shower and really, really needed to get to it ASAP. It was all in an effort to save $145.  For what?  You ask.  I could order a blue table for $249, or the same table in ivory for $104. 

Said Table.

My plan was to order the light colored drum table and paint it.  Annie Sloan's Provençe chalk paint to the rescue...  It wasn't quite as an intense of a shade as I would have liked, but I was hoping the dark stain would help.  (The top is still in its original state, as I wanted to try to emulate it.)

These are the steps I used:
  1. Shown in original finish.
  2. Two coats of paint.
  3. To get a wood look, I used both dental floss and regular sewing thread, dipped in brown craft paint, to create a grain.
  4. Used a 1:1 ratio of dark and clear wax, crumpled a cloth rag and dabbed over painted spots.
  5. Used about a 5:1 ratio of clear to dark wax and rubbed over the rest.
Now, I have a little dilemma.

Said Dilemma.

It originally was waxed using the 1:1 dark/clear (shown on RIGHT), but wasn't sure I liked it.  So, for the remainder, the formula with more clear wax was used.  I think I like it better--for the record, in person, the light and dark variation isn't as pronounced as shown in the photo on the LEFT.  

Now, this is really important to me--With which one would you be happiest??? 

Please leave all opinions in the comment section, below ;).


Linking:

Funky Junk's Sat Nite Special
at

20 comments:

  1. Terri SmithMarch 10, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Sensational Job Kim! Hmm..I Prefer The Piece On The Left. The Second Finish Looks Busy And Maybe Not As Natural To The Eye As The Previous. Again, Fabulous Makeover! Love Me Some Of That Annie Sloan!

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  2. Karina RussellMarch 10, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    Kim, I love your work. You go the extra steps needed to get a professional result. It definitely is worth it and it shows in your work. I prefer the one on the right because the pattern isn't as blotchy looking. It's more blended, but you can still see the blue. I would never have thought of using dental floss as a refinishing tool! Great idea.

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  3. Charlotte WilsonMarch 10, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    I prefer the one on the left. It looks more artistic. Great job BTW.

    ♥charlotte

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  4. ANNEMarch 10, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    that looks fabulous!

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  5. JanMarch 10, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    They both look fabulous! But I think I like the one on the right just a tiny bit more. It seems calmer. Does that make sense? It just seems like my eyes rest on the blue on the right. The one on the left makes my eyes jump from spot to spot. But that's just me. As I said before the both look fabulous darling.

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  6. Sissie's Shabby CottageMarch 10, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Hi Kim,
    I like them both, but my preference is the one on the right. Just seems more natural looking.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  7. SuzMarch 10, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    This is a wow piece and I love the one on the right. Great job.

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  8. fixitfaerieMarch 10, 2012 at 4:19 PM

    It looks great. I like the one on the right. I am finding that I have better luck with the brush with the dark wax. And, working in smaller areas at a time.

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  9. UnknownMarch 10, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    What a cute table! I like both so maybe you shouldn't count my vote. I guess I like the one on the right more as the darker spots seem less obvious.

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  10. Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.comMarch 10, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    I like the one on the right: it's more subdued.

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  11. NanaDianaMarch 10, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    I like the both but I prefer the one on the right. It is more subtle looking to me- if that makes sense. GREAT job and I LOVE the shape of the piece. xo Diana

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  12. UnknownMarch 11, 2012 at 12:55 AM

    Hi Kim. Love the table. I like the version on the right. What a great way to save money and have fun.
    Traci

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  13. Wild Oak DesignsMarch 11, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    KIm,
    I love what you did! Using the strings and dental floss was a stroke of genius! To me, the one on the right...seems more complete...
    Love what you did, great job!
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  14. Content Director - Strong Female LeadersMarch 11, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    What a perfect end table. Looks beautiful.

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  15. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMarch 11, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    I love the colors you chose, Kim! My first reaction was the one on the right. Sometimes when I have this question in my mind about something, I leave it for a few days and live with it. It can be difficult to get just the right ratio of clear and dark wax going on a piece to where you like it.

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  16. JennMarch 11, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    I like the one on the left better, but they both look great!

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  17. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMarch 11, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    I love this table! From where did you order it? Looking at both, I like the one on the right best but I honestly like them both. Especially if you say the light/dark isn't as pronounced as the way it looks in the photo. I now have a new painting tool! Dental floss! LOL! You are so clever!

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  18. Korrie@RedHenHomeMarch 12, 2012 at 10:08 AM

    Very creative use of dental floss! I love the new look--I think I like the one on the right more.

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  19. Jan HermannMarch 12, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    Beautiful! I love the one on the LEFT! Gorgeous color choice and loads of artistic talent, too!

    Jan

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  20. DownTheLaneWithDaisyApril 13, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    the one on the right. Great job!

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I do my best to pay a return visit. ~Kim